A patient, long-term strategist is needed for such a process. Someone who can handle losing fifty games, trading stars Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard for cap space and prospects, and smiling in the camera at the draft lottery in New Jersey. Most importantly, rebuilding requires an owner who won’t be tempted by short-term fixes like dealing up-and-coming Devin Harris for over the hill Jason Kidd …Every week, HoopsVibe The Blog will review the NBA’s biggest winners and losers of the last seven days …

The Losers …

Loser #3: Minnesota Timberwolves

Predictions can bite you in the ass. Take Rudy Foye. In training camp, Minnesota’s combo guard confidently predicted his squad would win forty games.

While I respect his optimism, Foye was clearly off.After winning their first game of the season, the Wolves have dropped seven consecutive games. And fan apathy is again taking over the frozen tundra of ‘Sota.

When watching Minnesota, I am reminded of Boston prior to the Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen trades. Like those Celtic squads, the T-Wolves have collected too many young pieces. And they lack the minutes or resources to develop all their assets.

It’s quality versus quantity. Eventually, executive Kevin McHale must make like Danny Ainge in the summer of 07 and decide who to keep and who to trade.

Loser #2:Baron Davis, Mike Dunleavy, and the Los Angeles Clippers

Earlier this week, star player and coach had a man-to-man, heart-to-heart chat. And after publicly proclaiming a truce,Davis, Dunleavy and L.A. lost by twenty to an undermanned Golden State squad. Worst of all, they gave up 37 points to an undrafted rookie called Anthony Morrow.

I guess the curse of the Clips lives. After a summer of retooling, Hollywood’s second squad can’t score, defend, and sits a miserable 1-8 in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Things have to change and soon. Or changes are coming to Los Angeles.

Loser #1: Dallas Mavericks

I have advice for Dallas owner Mark Cuban: sell now. Relinquish the Mavs, the stadium you privately funded, and all other team-affiliated assets. Take the first 9-digit cheque you can get near market value in these rocky economic times.

Cuban can’t handle losing in the first round, so rebuilding happens when pigs fly. It doesn’t matter that Dallas’ run is over. And it doesn’t matter that the club sits at 2-7 and new coach Rick Carlisle isn’t the answer.

A patient, long-term strategist is needed for such a process. Someone who can handle losing fifty games, trading stars Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard for cap space and prospects, and smiling in the camera at the draft lottery in New Jersey. Most importantly, rebuilding requires an owner who won’t be tempted by short-term fixes like dealing up-and-coming Devin Harris for over the hill Jason Kidd.

The Dancing With The Stars contestant is too reactionary and competitive for this drawn-out process. Time for Cuban to sell the Mavs and buy the Cubs. Unfortunately, the NBA will be worse off without the renegade owner.

What are your thoughts on our weekly losers? Get at us in the comment box on Minnesota, L.A., and Dallas. Click on the link for more of HoopsVibe NBA Blog. Photo courtesy of jdlasica.